Local Leaders Overturn Minors Ban on Drag Shows and Events
Jefferson County Repeals Ban On Minors At ‘Adult’ Performances
West Virginia Public Broadcasting | Friday, December 20, 2024
By Jack Walker
In a significant local development, the Jefferson County Commission has overturned an ordinance that prohibited minors from attending adult performances, including drag shows, just a year and a half after its implementation. Originally enacted in June 2023 during a controversial meeting where the former commissioner labeled such performances as a potential risk to children, the new repeal reflects a shift in community attitudes. Advocacy groups such as Fairness West Virginia, based in nearby Ranson, have praised the decision as a victory for the LGBTQ community. They argue that the initial policy unfairly targeted drag performers and mischaracterized their art, highlighting that fostering inclusivity enriches the local culture and community life, including events often hosted in Charles Town and Harpers Ferry. The repeal was decided with a narrow 3-2 vote and signifies progress toward more accepting local policies, as many residents had rallied against the ordinance.
